Leah Gray netted a game-high 18 points as the Branson School girls basketball team kept its MCAL playoff hopes alive, outscoring Tam 30-17 in the second half to secure the 46-38 win at College of Marin on Tuesday.

"It was our best game of the year, we've been pounding things into these kids for three months and the light bulb went on," Branson coach Darol Smith said. "The kids were excited and we are excited. Even if we don't make the MCAL, we should make it to (North Coast Section playoffs) and, if we play like this, we can be a contender."

Izzy Dahlke led Tam with 14 points, followed by Amari Allison with eight and Amanda Barriscale with seven. The Red-tailed Hawks (12-13, 7-6) led 21-16 at the half.

"I thought they we had a pretty good first half and had the game under control," Tam coach Mike Evans said. "They went on a run in the third quarter, the momentum changed and we never really recovered from it. They shot the ball real well and they kept their composure and we kind of lost ours."

Branson plays a must-win game at Marin Catholic on Thursday for a shot at the last MCAL spot. Tam plays host to Redwood, needing a win or a Branson loss or a San Marin loss to San Rafael. All three games tip at 6 p.m.